City Council Approves Street Dance Permit

Discussion On Snowbird Fees Revived, Sent To Committee

The Wolf Point City Council held its regular meeting Monday, May 18. Councilpersons were present for the meeting. A Zoom link was also provided for the public to participate and it was broadcast via Facebook Live.

Following roll call, Mayor Chris Dschaak asked for a moment of silence for councilmember Tina Betshismedicine and her family.

The council approved a permit for the Wild Horse Stampede street dance, set for Friday, July 10, in Wolf Point. The Stampede committee and the Wolf Point Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture will announce plans for the rodeo June 1. Dschaak asked that anyone interested in Stampede planning to contact the chamber at 653-2012.

The first round of scheduled water rate increases for city residents is set for July 1. Further discussion was raised by councilman Craig Rodenberg about possible problems with eliminating the city’s “snowbird” water billing policy. The matter has been returned to committee for further analysis.

The Wolf Point City pool is on schedule to open June 8, if allowed by the state. Greg Lukasik with Great West Engineering said maintenance and upgrades scheduled for the pool’s chlorine and filtration systems will be completed in the fall. The council also approved a change order for $27,593.60 and a second scheduled payment to Great West.

The gazebo in Sherman Park has been vandalized. If you have any information about the crime, contact the Wolf Point Police Department at 653-1093. This is an ongoing problem for which funds must be utilized every year.

Shortened baseball and softball seasons are scheduled to begin June 1. Sign-ups were held May 19. A second round of sign-ups will be held if necessary.

Nominations were announced for Wolf Point Volunteer Fire Department officers. Clint Bushman was nominated for chief. JT Szymanski was nominated for assistant chief. Nominations for two captain positions included Anthony Benton, Wayne Kegley, Patrick Szymanski and Jarod Weyrauch. Chelsea Whitehawk was nominated for secretary/treasurer, as was Trenton Wemmer. Cam Burshia and Jarod Weyrauch were nominated for safety officer and Justin Parker was nominated for training officer. The department will hold elections at an upcoming meeting.

During police and animal control committee reports, city attorney Anna Rose Sullivan said that nuisance letters are being sent out regarding blighted properties in Wolf Point. She estimated that as many as 20 properties have been identified as out of compliance with city ordinances. According to Sullivan, 11 properties have been singled out for contact. “If landowners are not responsive, we’re going to sue them,” said Sullivan.

According to director of public works Ward Smith, the BOMAG trash compactor has been delivered to the city landfill.

Dschaak said the city’s new asphalt plant is ready for use, but a licensed and bonded electrician is needed to install the necessary controls.

Sullivan also addressed the council about annexation issues and a new ward boundary map. She suggested the city retain the services of Clayton Vine for these projects so that she can devote her time and city resources to lot cleanup efforts. “We are really gearing up for nuisance complaints,” said Sullivan.

Tori Matejovsky from Great Northern Development Corporation gave the council an update. She said some businesses are still waiting on Payroll Protection Program funds. She said that CARES Act funds are still available for small businesses. Interested parties should call 653-2590 or visit www.gndc.org.

Dschaak asked again that anyone interested in representing Ward 2 (southside west) on the council to submit their names for consideration.

City clerk/treasurer Marlene Mahlum presented financial reports for April. The council approved revenue and expenditure reports, treasurer’s cash and securities reports and withdrawals and substitutions reports for the month.